Rebirth Immortal-Chapter 42: A Hidden Crisis

The sun was setting, casting golden light over the forest. Ye Chen sat by a small fire, his body still adjusting to the changes from the Purification of the Soul. His mind felt clearer, his thoughts sharper. He could sense every movement around him—the rustling of leaves, the soft breathing of Lin Xia and Zhao Ming, and even the distant chirping of insects.

Lin Xia handed him a roasted rabbit leg. "Eat something. You used too much energy."

Ye Chen took it with a nod. He hadn't realized how hungry he was until now. As he took a bite, Zhao Ming sat down across from him, watching him carefully.

"Ye Chen," Zhao Ming said, his voice serious. "Tell me the truth. What kind of cultivation technique are you practicing?"

Ye Chen paused but did not answer immediately. He chewed slowly, then swallowed before speaking.

"It's an ancient method," he said. "Something lost to time."

Zhao Ming frowned. "I've seen geniuses before, but none of them could improve as fast as you. This isn't just talent—it's something else."

Lin Xia looked at Ye Chen with curiosity but did not press him for an answer.

Ye Chen remained silent for a moment before saying, "I can't explain everything. But I promise you this—I will not use my power to harm innocent people."

Zhao Ming studied him for a moment, then sighed. "Alright. I trust you."

Lin Xia smiled. "Good. Now, let's focus on the important thing—what's our next move?"

Ye Chen looked at the fire, deep in thought. He had made great progress, but he was still far from his goal. There were many hidden dangers in this world, and his enemies were growing stronger.

"We head west," he finally said. "There's a town nearby. I need information."

Lin Xia nodded. "That makes sense. But be careful—news of what happened at the sect has probably spread."

Zhao Ming grinned. "If anyone dares to come after us, we'll just deal with them."

Ye Chen smirked but said nothing. He knew things wouldn't be that simple.

The next morning, they set out toward the town. It was a few miles away, a small but lively place filled with merchants, travelers, and cultivators.

As they entered the streets, Ye Chen pulled up his hood. He didn't want to attract attention. Lin Xia and Zhao Ming did the same.

"Let's split up," Ye Chen said. "Gather as much information as possible. Meet back here in two hours."

The group nodded and went their separate ways.

Ye Chen walked through the crowded streets, listening carefully to the conversations around him. People were talking about many things—trade deals, local disputes, and even rumors about powerful cultivators.

Then, he heard something that caught his attention.

"Did you hear? A group of assassins is searching for someone. They say he destroyed a sect."

Ye Chen's eyes narrowed.

Another man scoffed. "You believe that nonsense? One person taking down an entire sect? Impossible."

The first man shook his head. "I don't know, but the assassins seem serious. They're offering a huge reward."

Ye Chen clenched his fists. It was just as he expected—his enemies were moving.

He needed to act fast.

As Ye Chen turned to leave, he sensed something strange. A faint killing intent.

Someone was watching him.

He pretended not to notice and continued walking. He turned into a narrow alley, acting as if he was lost.

Then—

A figure suddenly appeared behind him, striking without warning.

Ye Chen reacted instantly. He dodged to the side, the enemy's dagger barely missing his neck. He spun around and saw his attacker—a masked man dressed in black.

"Who sent you?" Ye Chen asked coldly.

Updat𝓮d fr𝙤m ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com.

The assassin didn't answer. Instead, he lunged again, his movements fast and precise. But Ye Chen was faster. He caught the assassin's wrist and twisted it, forcing the dagger to drop.

The assassin grunted in pain but didn't hesitate. He pulled out another weapon—a hidden needle coated with poison.

Ye Chen's eyes flashed.

Poison?

He dodged again, but this time, he didn't hold back. With a quick motion, he struck the assassin's chest with his palm.

Bang!

The masked man flew backward, hitting the wall hard. He coughed up blood, his body trembling.

Ye Chen stepped forward. "Who hired you?"

The assassin glared at him but said nothing. Instead, he bit down on something hidden in his mouth.

Ye Chen's expression changed.

Poison pill!

The assassin's body convulsed, then went still. His eyes turned lifeless.

Ye Chen frowned.

Someone wants me dead badly.

He searched the assassin's body but found no clues. Whoever sent him had erased all traces.

Ye Chen exhaled and left the alley. He needed to find Lin Xia and Zhao Ming—now.

When Ye Chen returned to their meeting place, Lin Xia and Zhao Ming were already waiting.

Lin Xia looked worried. "Something happened?"

Ye Chen nodded. "An assassin attacked me."

Zhao Ming's eyes widened. "Damn. Already?"

Ye Chen told them what happened. When he finished, Lin Xia's face was pale.

"This is bad," she said. "They're moving faster than we thought."

Zhao Ming clenched his fists. "What do we do?"

Ye Chen's eyes darkened. "We can't stay here. They'll send more people."

Lin Xia nodded. "Then where do we go?"

Ye Chen thought for a moment.

"There's an underground city not far from here. A place where cultivators and criminals hide. If we go there, we might find out who's after me."

Zhao Ming hesitated. "That sounds dangerous."

Ye Chen smirked. "Everything is dangerous."

Lin Xia sighed. "Alright. Let's move."

The three of them left the town immediately. The road ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear—

The hunt had begun.